Should You Install an EV Charger at Home?

jonforgy
Oct 24
2 min read

By Forgy Electric

If you’ve recently bought an electric vehicle—or are thinking about it—you’ve probably asked:👉 Should I install an EV charger at home?

With EVs becoming more popular every year, having a home charging station is quickly turning from a luxury into a daily necessity. Here’s what you need to know before deciding.

Why Home EV Charging Matters

While you can charge an electric vehicle using a standard wall outlet, it’s slow—often taking 20+ hours for a full charge. A Level 2 EV charger, on the other hand, uses a 240-volt circuit (similar to your dryer or oven) and can charge most EVs in 4–8 hours.

Having a dedicated charger means:

Your EV is ready to go every morning
You’re not depending on public charging stations
You can save on time and energy costs with off-peak charging
You increase your home’s resale and modern appeal

Understanding the Types of EV Chargers

Charger Type	Voltage	Charge Time	Ideal For
Level 1	120V	18–24 hrs	Occasional / low daily mileage
Level 2	240V	4–8 hrs	Daily use / home charging
Level 3 (DC Fast)	480V+	30–60 min	Commercial / highway use

For most homeowners, Level 2 is the perfect balance of convenience, cost, and charging speed.

What’s Involved in Installing a Home EV Charger

A proper installation should always be handled by a licensed electrician. At Forgy Electric, we:

Evaluate your electrical panel to ensure it can handle the added load
Install a dedicated 240V circuit and outlet or hardwired charger
Mount and connect your charging station safely and to code
Test the system to ensure efficient charging and protection

Depending on your panel’s capacity, you may need a service upgrade (to 200 amps or more) for optimal performance.

When to Consider a Service Upgrade

If your home has an older 100-amp panel, adding an EV charger might overload your system—especially if you already have electric heating, dryers, or a hot tub.Upgrading your service ensures your entire electrical system runs safely and efficiently, even with new high-demand devices.

Incentives and Rebates

Many utilities and states offer rebates or tax credits for EV charger installation. Some programs even cover part of the installation cost. Check your local energy provider or reach out to Forgy Electric—we’ll help you identify any available incentives.

At Forgy Electric, we make EV charging easy. Our team handles every step—from load calculations to final inspection—ensuring your installation is safe, efficient, and code-compliant.

We install:

Level 2 EV chargers for all major brands
Hardwired and plug-in systems
Whole-home surge protection for EV equipment
Panel upgrades if needed

🚗 Power Your Drive with Forgy Electric

Home charging is the most convenient and reliable way to keep your EV ready for the road. Whether you just bought your first electric car or are preparing your home for the future, Forgy Electric can help you plug into clean, dependable power.